DORSET County Hospital’s Maternity Unit has been praised for a first class delivery during the pandemic after being recognised as one of the best in the country.

The 2021 Maternity Survey, published by the Care Quality Commission, summarises the experiences of more than 23,000 women who gave birth during January and February last year. This was during the third Covid-19 national lockdown, so the survey results this year reflect women’s experiences of care during the pandemic.

Managers at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) in Dorchester said they were proud of the maternity team 'for continuing to provide the highest standards of care in the most challenging conditions'.

The survey asked women about their experiences of care across the entire pregnancy pathway, from antenatal care, labour and birth, and postnatal care.

More than 100 responses were received for DCH.

As well as delivering individual hospital reports, the CQC publishes a report which focuses on variation in results for care during labour and birth.

DCH has been identified as performing ‘better than expected’. This is because the proportion of women who answered positively to questions about their care during labour and birth was significantly above the national average.

DCH performed the same or better than other hospitals in all the survey categories. Particularly high scores were achieved for treating people with respect and dignity, having trust and confidence in staff, and the cleanliness of the environment.

Associate Director of Midwifery and Neonatal Services at DCH Jo Hartley said: “I am so proud of all my colleagues who have continued to provide the highest standards of care in the most challenging conditions during the pandemic.

“It was a pleasure to share these results with them and we continue to look at ways to improve our service, based on feedback from women and their families.”

Chief Nursing Officer Nicky Lucey added: “I am so proud of our maternity teams for receiving such positive feedback, especially as the survey was carried out during an especially challenging time.

“Everyone choosing to have their babies at Dorset County Hospital can be assured of the highest standards of care.”